Top Santa Monica Day Trips

Los Angeles is filled with must-see landmarks, from the famous Hollywood sign to Santa Monica Pier. But neighborhoods are spread out, and it can be tough to make much progress with limited time to spare. Ideal for time-pressed travelers, this easy half-day tour covers the highlights by luxury bus. Depart from Hollywood or Santa Monica, and take in destinations like Rodeo Drive and Griffith Observatory without dedicating days to sightseeing.

From the Hollywood Sign to the sunny beaches of Santa Monica and the glitz of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is full of iconic sights. This guided full-day tour transports you by air-conditioned coach to top attractions—from Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—with included lunch at the Farmers' Market and optional hotel pickup for select locations.

Explore Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles' famous beaches, and beyond on this all-day guided excursion starting from Anaheim or Los Angeles. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with a knowledgeable guide and experience classic sites and neighborhoods like the Hollywood Sign and the Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Rodeo Dr., Venice Beach, and Santa Monica Pier.

See Los Angeles efficiently on a guided city tour that removes the need to plan routes, drive, or manage parking. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, you can focus on understanding the city while a guide provides context across key neighborhoods, including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice Beach. This tour is designed to give first-time visitors a clear overview of LA in one day, helping you decide where to return on your own.

Explore the iconic landmarks of Los Angeles in one full day starting from our convenient location in Santa Monica. This comprehensive tour covers must-see attractions like Hollywood, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Griffith Park and the Hollywood sign allowing you to experience the vibrant culture and sights of LA. Enjoy up to 40 minutes at each stop (an 1-hour for lunch), guided by a knowledgeable tour guide who shares fun facts and history. Travel in comfort on a luxury small tour bus with complimentary bottled water. - Full day tour lasting approximately 7.5 hours with six iconi stops - Just a few spots you'd see up close and personal include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Park, Muscle Beach, Rodeo Drive and the famous Farmers' Market at the Grove - The drive will be great as well we cruise past famous Sunset strip and celebrity sighting locations! - Ideal for families , first-time visitors to Los Angeles and those looking for an overivew of the whole city!

See Los Angeles’ key neighborhoods and landmarks in one full-day tour designed to reduce planning and travel stress. With hotel pickup included, you can focus on the experience while a guide provides context and local insight along the way. This tour offers a practical overview of the city, moving efficiently from urban highlights to coastal areas, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors or short stays.

Discover the enchanting allure of Malibu with this one-of-a-kind half-day tour, blending stunning coastal views with celebrity glamour. Cruise in an open-air van as guides share the secrets of Malibu's celebrity homes, iconic filming spots, and fascinating history. Highlights include picturesque stops at the Malibu Pier, the historic Adamson House, breathtaking Point Dume, and the Malibu Country Mart for a perfect mix of sightseeing, shopping, and Hollywood magic.

Hit the road with this Central California self-guided driving and walking tour bundle! Cruise along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway, take in the views of 17 Mile Drive and Big Sur, and explore the Yosemite Valley Floor’s grandeur. Immerse yourself in the towering giants of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park and uncover the charm of San Luis Obispo. This bundle gives you the ultimate California experience, all at your own pace! Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, entering your unique password, and accessing your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there. New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want. This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check opening hours before your visit.

Experience Los Angeles in comfort on a private luxury sightseeing tour in a 2024 Cadillac Escalade with a professional chauffeur. This is premium private transportation (not a narrated guided tour). Relax while we handle navigation, parking, and traffic, with flexible photo stops along the way. Choose 7 or 9 hours and tailor the day to your interests. After booking, tell us your goals (iconic landmarks, beaches, celebrity neighborhoods, shopping, viewpoints) and we’ll suggest an efficient route and stop plan. Follow the recommended itinerary or adjust it anytime. Popular stops may include Hollywood Sign viewpoints, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, and Griffith Observatory (sunset when possible). The extended option can include Malibu for a scenic coastal drive. Stops may vary based on traffic and the time you choose at each location; we’ll adjust the route in real time within your selected duration.

See Los Angeles in style, and enjoy a fully flexible way to explore, on this private sightseeing tour via spacious luxury vehicle. Choose a duration and meeting point that are best for you, and then customize your itinerary. Opt to explore Beverly Hills, head to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, continue along Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip, or see the ocean at Venice Beach or Santa Monica. It's all up to you.

Visit the majestic Giant Sequoia National Park on this private guided tour from Los Angeles. Enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and get up close to the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth. This customizable day trip is perfect for families and anyone seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With a knowledgeable guide, you'll explore hidden mountain gems, some short hiking and enjoy opportunities for wildlife sightings, including small animals. Experience the grandeur of ancient trees, drive through famous tunnel log, visit Moro Rock trail while traveling in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Return to your hotel in the evening. - Private, customizable tour ideal for families and nature lovers - Visit iconic landmarks like the General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock - Includes national park entrance fees and bottled water - around 4.5 hours one way - Free hotel pick-up from various LA areas, ensuring convenience

Have only a short amount of time in Los Angeles? Leave the logistics to someone else, and discover many of the city’s top landmarks all in one day, on this seamless, private tour. Following pickup from your hotel, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to destinations like Venice Beach, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, The Grove, and Rodeo Drive. As you go, your guide will share behind-the-scenes stories about the City of Angels.

Visit many of Los Angeles’s highlights and landmarks on one fun and convenient outing. Learn about LA history and culture—its historic filming locations and crime scenes, celebrity homes and trendy restaurants—from a narrator as you traverse the city in a convertible bus. Stops include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, a farmer's market for lunch, and the Hollywood Sign.

California is where some of the US’s best wines are grown. Avoid the hassle of self-driving and set out on a guided tour to several San Diego vineyards that includes comfortable transportation by an expert driver. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of several establishments and sample some of the region’s most popular vintages before stopping for an included dinner at a local winery.

Explore famous Los Angeles spots on this private tour for you and up to five guests. Visit Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, TCL Chinese Theater, Mulholland Drive, and capture a photo of the Hollywood Sign. Enjoy hotel pickup and travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a private guide who handles all planning.

This private tour of Los Angeles includes complimentary pickup and drop-off, making the experience smooth from the moment your day begins to the moment you are returned to your destination. Designed for groups of up to eight guests, the tour feels personal, comfortable, and easy to enjoy without the stress of meeting points, parking, or navigating the city. Our team coordinates the itinerary with you in advance, building a custom Los Angeles private tour around your interests, preferred pace, and must-see spots. With a dedicated guide, private transportation, and door-to-door service, you have the freedom to explore iconic landmarks, scenic viewpoints, and local favorites while enjoying the flexibility to adjust as the day unfolds.

Swap the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles for something a bit more relaxing—a scenic ferry trip to Catalina Island. Once you arrive, enjoy a guided tour of the main city of Avalon to help you get your bearings, and learn about its top sights. No need to worry about rushing back—the tour factors in some free time to explore Avalon’s shops, restaurants, and famous landmarks independently.

For visitors staying in Torrance, El Segundo, or Hawthorn, this full–day tour of Los Angeles with round–trip hotel transport is a hassle–free way to sightsee. Going with a guide eliminates the hassle of navigating the sprawling city on your own, as well as ensures you learn more than you could from a guidebook. Highlights on the itinerary include Downtown, the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive, and Venice Beach.

Full-Day Private Los Angeles Tour from Santa Monica This private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Ideal for families, friends, or corporate teams. Begin with a scenic ride into Downtown LA for a quick stop at Grand Central Market (coffee or snack optional) and views of landmarks like Walt Disney Concert Hall and LA City Hall. Then, head to Griffith Observatory for iconic skyline views and a perfect Hollywood Sign photo. Continue to the Walk of Fame, see Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and pass Melrose Avenue’s street art. Lunch is at The Grove and Farmers Market (meals not included), followed by a drive along the Sunset Strip and a stop at Rodeo Drive. Pass through Century City and cruise by Santa Monica Pier for a photo op before finishing the day with free time at Venice Beach.

California’s Highway 1—also known as the Pacific Coast Highway—stretches along the Pacific Ocean, and is known for its spectacular scenery. This private, self-led smartphone audio guide accompanies you from San Francisco to Los Angeles, sharing facts and stories about the cities and landmarks you pass. The app’s GPS functionality works offline, letting you explore independently at your own pace with lifetime access and no expiry.

Cover more of the famous Santa Monica and Venice Beach areas of LA than you would if walking on this electric bike tour. Skip the tour bus as you enjoy fresh ocean breezes and laid-back riding with a guide aboard an electric bicycle. Cruise the famous canals of Venice and cycle the trails along Santa Monica Beach, choosing if you want to use your own leg power or get a boost from your electric-powered cycle.

Full-Day Private Los Angeles Tour from Marina del Rey & Venice Beach This private tour features tiered pricing for up to 14 guests—the more in your group, the lower the per-person rate. Perfect for families, friends, or teams staying along the coast. Start your day with a stop at Grand Central Market in Downtown LA, followed by photo ops at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Head to Griffith Observatory for skyline views and the best shot of the Hollywood Sign. Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, pass Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Melrose Avenue, then enjoy lunch at The Grove and Original Farmers Market (meals not included). Cruise the Sunset Strip, stop at Rodeo Drive, and roll through Century City. Later, snap photos at the Santa Monica Pier. Prefer beach vibes? We can swap Grand Central Market for a final stop at Venice Beach instead.

Enjoy a private, half-day ride around Los Angeles during this VIP guided tour—led by a TV personality and celebrity driver and bodyguard. Ride in style in a Lincoln town car with room for up to six people. Enjoy complimentary beer and liquor and sweet and savory snacks as you visit iconic locations like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, glitzy Rodeo Drive, and the beaches of Malibu.